The NBA speeds up the demise of the Euroleague: 16-team NBA Europe for the 2027-28 season
Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, has reiterated that the Americans' landing in Europe is imminent
The NBA continues to make progress on its plan to create a new competition in Europe, a project that is starting to take shape with more details emerging about its possible structure and calendar.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver provided further details on the initiative on Wednesday during statements prior to the 2026 NBA Finals. Silver confirmed that the league is on track with the planned schedule and that the launch of its European branch is drawing closer.
As explained, the goal is for the competition to debut in the 2027-28 season in Europe, with the franchise selection process entering its decisive phase in the coming months.
"We are completely on schedule. We expect and anticipate this league to launch in the 2027-28 season in Europe. Everything is going as planned. Final franchise bids must be submitted by the end of June. As reported, we have seen record interest and are very excited about the opportunity, working closely with FIBA," stated Silver.
The NBA executive added that the franchise allocation could occur in the fall, once the evaluation process of applications is completed.
Regarding the format, Silver outlined an initial structure of 16 teams, with a combination of permanent franchises and other places open to the competition, allowing entry of clubs based on sporting performance.
“What we are planning is a league of 16 teams. Twelve permanent franchises and then the chance for any club in Europe to compete for the remaining spots. It would be a hybrid structure between open and closed league. That is the concept we are discussing with potential owners," he explained.
The project includes both the creation of new teams in cities without elite presence and the addition of existing clubs in the European landscape. Among the locations mentioned in various reports are cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Athens, Istanbul, and other major capitals of the continent.
One major question that remains is the relationship with the current structure of European basketball, especially with the EuroLeague, with ongoing discussions.
Total Change in EuroLeague?
“Regarding the EuroLeague, negotiations are ongoing. We hope to find a way to integrate both structures, but we will move forward regardless if an agreement is not reached," Silver pointed out.
Another unresolved point is the potential involvement of players in team ownership. In the current NBA, players are prohibited from owning franchises, but in the European context, the situation could be different. The case of Luka Dončić, who recently acquired a stake in an Italian club with the aim of driving a project in Rome, has sparked debate.
Silver acknowledged that this issue is still pending and will need to be examined in conjunction with the players' association.
"That is still unresolved. It is something we have to work out with the players' union. Part of the decision will depend on how this European league relates to the NBA," he explained.
The NBA project in Europe continues to raise questions, particularly regarding its coexistence with the current ecosystem of continental basketball. However, the idea of a 16-team league with rotating spots resembles other hybrid models already proposed in European sports in recent years.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La NBA acelera la muerte de la Euroliga: NBA Europa de 16 equipos para la 2027-28
